Explore Schuylkill Highlights Summer & Fall Festivals, Fairs and Getaways

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Spend the Night in Schuylkill County

Late summer is delightful in the mountains of east central Pennsylvania, where cool woodland getaways are the name of the game! With enchanting accommodations like The Bischoff Inn, The Village at Houser’s Crossing, The Hill House, Mimm’s Country Inn, Lakewood Park Campground, The Maid’s Quarters B&B, The Stone House B&B, and Grier City Schoolhouse at your fingertips, a memorable getaway is literally, just moments away.

Outdoor adventures never stop here. On any given day, there are trails to hike and bike, lakes to fish and paddleboard, and several great stretches along the Schuylkill River to kayak and bike. And when you combine our outdoor recreation with unique events, your getaway really levels up. Our diverse lineup of events this season has something for everyone.

Visit the Schuylkill County Fair

The Schuylkill County Fair celebrates summer’s bounty July 29-August 3. Located in Summit Station on beautiful fairgrounds with acres of lush vegetation, the Schuylkill County Fair is filled with a variety of live entertainment, delicious foods, and classic carnival games.

You will see the best livestock and produce from local farms in Schuylkill County. There are demonstrations and activities of all types including food presentations and contests, fair royalty, corn-hole tournaments, a coal-region boilo contest, horse shows, and children’s activities. For thrill seekers, check out the truck and tractor pulls along with plenty of rides too.

Explore Hawk Mountain

Hawk Mountain’s Birds & Brew continues on August 10. Located on the Kittatinny Ridge of the Blue Mountains, Hawk Mountain’s 2600 acres are home to an Acopian Center, visitors’ center, 8+ miles of hiking trails, and spectacular vistas where visitors have been able to immerse themselves and experience raptors in this native habitat for almost a century.

This is the setting where you will enjoy unlimited tastings from over 20 local breweries, wineries, and distilleries, along with a delicious dinner from The Brickhouse, a commemorative 6-ounce glass, and live music entertainment performed by the band Six to Midnight.

Pre-registered admission is $65, and designated drivers and those under 21 can attend and receive food and non-alcoholic drinks for $35.

Festival Season Abounds

Lithuanian Days & Tamaqua Railfest

The festival season continues with Lithuanian Days on August 17-8 and Tamaqua Railfest on August 24.

Lakewood Park Campground in Barnesville is the convenient location of the Lithuanian Days Festival, where you will experience authentic Lithuanian weavers, spinners, swordsmanship, music, dancing, foods and bevvies, while under the beautiful green canopy of a grove of catalpa trees.

Likewise, Tamaqua’s Railfest at their 1874 Tamaqua Railroad Station & Depot Square celebrates the rich heritage and history of the rails in Northeastern Pennsylvania with historical displays and artifacts, train rides, food trucks, live music, vendors, and much more.

Schuylkill County Wine Festival

The Schuylkill County Wine Festival on September 1 is an awesome addition to your Labor Day holiday weekend. Held in Hegins Park in Hegins, the sprawling venue includes wineries, artisan vendors, live music, food trucks, and plenty of room for your tailgate set up in the picturesque park. Tickets are $15 in advance or $20 the day of. A $5 designated driver ticket covers all the bases for a memorable time.

Oktoberfest

September also means Oktoberfest time, and that is something we know a thing or two about in our community. Tucked into the historical downtown area of Pottsville, Oktoberfest is brimming with live music, artisan level craft vendors, wineries, distilleries, delicious foods, games, children’s activities, and a Yuengling Biergarten. Grab your lederhosen or dirndl and make plans to feiern in the home of America’s Oldest Brewery on September 14t!

Tamaqua Heritage Festival

Heading into peak fall-foliage season, we find the Annual Tamaqua Heritage Festival on October 13.

The event is packed with mouthwatering foods and costumed re-enactors. Enjoy walking tours, a market, and a car show. There’s a variety of music, including a calliope with horse-drawn trolley car rides through the streets. Children can enjoy games and rides. There’s also antique shopping and historical exhibits. Re-enactments feature Native American, military, and Industrial Revolution history.

You won’t find a better place to experience our shared region’s rich history and culture. Add their excellent restaurants and solid breweries to the mix in this downtown festival, and you are definitely winning! To learn more, check out the Tamaqua Historical Society.

Discover Schuylkill County This Season

Schuylkill County is a place where you can have it all; enchanting cultural heritage events, handcrafted beverages, historic towns, off-roading, woodland rivers and trails, charming accommodations, and delicious local farm-to-table dining. If you haven’t checked us out lately, you can’t go wrong at any of these events. Why not choose one and give us try?

Regina Gargano

Writer

Regina Gargano has been the Executive Director of Explore Schuylkill since 2009. She is a lifelong resident of Schuylkill County, mother of four, and grandmother of two, and she is married to Edward Fredericks. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from Penn State and an MBA from Misericordia University.